Three from Odisha to get Padma awards; CM Naveen’s sister Gita Mehta among awardees

Bhubaneswar: D Prakash Rao, popular as the ‘chai wala’ of Cuttack has been conferred with the Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. Apart from Rao, two others from Odisha—Daitari Nayak and Kamala Pujari have been chosen for the prestigious award.

Besides, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s sister Gita Mehta (foreigner) will also get Padma Shri for Literature and Education. Congratulating Mehta for being named for the award, former Kendrapara MP Jay Panda tweeted, “Congratulations to Gita Mehta being awarded the Padma Shri. Though related to three famous men – father Biju Patnaik, brother Naveen Patnaik & publisher husband Sonny Mehta – she is herself a famous war correspondent (1971) & author of the iconic ‘Karma Cola’ besides other books.”

Congratulations to Gita Mehta being awarded the Padma Shri. Though related to three famous men –father Biju Patnaik, brother @Naveen_Odisha & publisher husband Sonny Mehta– she is herself a famous war correspondent (1971) & author of the iconic ‘Karma Cola’ besides other books.

D Prakash Rao of Cuttack runs a tea stall and is known for working tirelessly towards the development of slum children. He runs a primary school called ‘Asha o Aswasana’ for the underprivileged slum children in Cuttack city.

“I had got a call from Centre in the evening and initially thought that some one is playing a prank. But later got confirmation that I have been selected for the Padma Shri award which is really a matter of pride for Odisha,” said Rao.

Similarly, Daitari Naik of Keonjhar has been selected for Padma Shri for his social work. He was responsible for single-handedly carving out a 3-km-long canal from a mountain stream to water his agricultural fields.

Congratulating Naik, cricketer VVS Laxman tweeted, “The 70-year-old farmer Shri. Daitari Naik of Keonjhar district in Odisha created a 3 km canal through a mountain with a hoe and a crowbar. His exemplary contribution gets recognised as he is to be conferred with a Padma Shri.”

70 year old farmer Shri. Daitari Naik of Keonjhar district in Odisha created a 3 km canal through a mountain with a hoe and a crowbar. His exemplary contribution gets recognised as he is to be conferred with a Padma Shri ?? #PadmaAwardspic.twitter.com/4l7p8sV5cM

Kamala Pujari, a tribal woman of Patraput village in Koraput will get Padma Shri for her contribution in the field of agriculture.

A total of 112 personalities have been selected for the Padma awards which were announced this evening ahead of India’s 70th Republic Day tomorrow. While four eminent personalities will be conferred with the highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan, 14 will get Padma Bhushan and 94 others have been selected for Padma Shri.

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